In August 2022, HI NENC launched a project call inviting applications from regional NHS organisations to apply for up to £30,000 to deliver projects that contributed to the overall aims of the five National Patient Safety Improvement Programmes.

An incredible 35 applications were received, and HI NENC funded five projects, spanning all five national themes. The five projects were delivered in 2023-2024 and individual case studies are in the process of being created.

---

The projects supported are:

Maternity and Neonatal – Optimisation and Stabilisation of the pre-term infant – South Tees NHS Foundation Trust

‘Optimisation and Stabilisation of the Preterm Infant’ supported the introduction of a Life Start trolley to improve optimal cord management, by providing intact cord resuscitation, improved their optimal cord management rate from 58% to 85% by October 2023.

Medicines Safety – An Opioid Reduction Programme – Bridge View Medical Group, Sunderland – Opioid Reduction

We supported the appointment of a specialist pharmacist to contribute to a programme of activities and strategies with the aim of reducing the prescribing of opioid medicines for chronic non-cancer pain across the practice, including reviewing their prescribing protocol and contacting patients on high dose opiates, the specialist pharmacist provided a dedicated clinic appointment with patients, who wanted to reduce their opiates.

The project achieved a sustainable reduction and a change in practice philosophy about how patients on opioids are managed.

Mental Health & Learning Disabilities – Reducing Restrictive Practice – Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Designed and evaluated trauma informed care training to support reducing restrictive practice in a learning disabilities and autism service. A specially developed individualised trauma focussed workshop was undertaken with 120 staff members who work closely with specific patients. Analysis of the results indicated significant improvements immediately after the training and at follow-up within staff participants in the measures of knowledge, confidence and optimism in relation to the patient they were supporting.

Managing Deterioration – Provision of Training – North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trusts

Supported the team to provide training and upskilling of 200+ healthcare workers, to enable early identification and intervention of deteriorating patients in care home and residential settings.

System Safety – Provision & Evaluation of training – South Tees Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Supported the national adoption and scale-up of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework, and in particular the engagement of patients, families and staff by funding the delivery of training to staff to facilitate restorative practice dialogue and meetings between patients, who have been harmed and the staff involved in the event.